My Business podcast: Australia’s leading show for SMEs

In this special episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by the deputy editor of MyBusiness, Adrian Flores, to discuss the latest in business news. Over the past week, several big announcements were made from Canberra, including JobMaker's passage through Parliament and the tabling of both the small-business insolvency reforms and legislation ensuring COVID-related small-business grants are made tax-free. On a state level, NSW unveiled its budget, spurring hope in the small-business community, while Victoria embraced the new COVID normal and South Australia plunged back into uncertainty with the return of several state borders. Adrian and Maja take a look at the above and more, dissecting the key business measures, including JobMaker.

While 2020 has been challenging to say the least, many lessons have been learnt. From the importance of disaster planning to the power of technology, Aussie SMEs have gained a wealth of knowledge during what has for most been the most challenging year on record. In this special episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Daniel West, chief sales and support officer at MYOB, to look back on the year that was and talk about expectations for 2021.   Daniel shares valuable insights from MYOB's extensive research into the SME space, as well as tips to help businesses wade the unknown waters during and after the pandemic. Hear his thoughts on the importance of reaching out for support and welcoming it from their accountants and counsellors.

The ATO has released its tax gap estimates for all 15 income and transactional-based taxes for the first time ever, believing $31.2 billion went missing in 2017–18. Last month, MyBusiness sister brand Accountants Daily host Jotham Lian was joined by Tax & Super Australia tax counsel John Jeffreys to unpack the different tax gaps, including the small business tax gap, which remains the largest gap by dollar value and percentage figure. John also dissects the ATO's sample of agent-prepared returns requiring more adjustments than self-prepared returns and gives his take on how to reduce the tax gap.

With work from home likely to become the new norm, an expert joins us to share tips on creating and maintaining a connected company amid growing challenges.  Late last month, MyBusiness hosted a special, three-day, virtual event to help small-business owners wade through the rough COVID-19 seas. Editor Maja Garaca Djurdjevic chatted with Vicky Skipp, head of APAC at Workplace from Facebook, about managing a dispersed workforce, communicating updates clearly and improving business culture with remote collaboration. Ms Skipp shares some of her key tips to help businesses utilise technology to build their remote muscles. She also gives her thoughts about what the future holds and whether work from home will become a new norm.

“If you're feeling unsettled, anxious or stressed, we all are. That's absolutely normal in circumstances we find ourselves in,” Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman said. Late last month, MyBusiness hosted a special, three-day, virtual event to help small-business owners wade through the rough COVID-19 seas. Editor Maja Garaca Djurdjevic chatted with Georgie Harman about the importance of mental health in the workplace and why it's everyone's business. Ms Harman shared some key tips to help employers recognise when their employees may be mentally struggling through the coronavirus crisis and steps to take to help them navigate through the tough environment. Ms Harman also provided some key tips that small-business owners can use to check in with themselves. If you are suffering from depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts, or you're worried about someone else and feel that urgent professional support is needed, contact your local doctor or one of the 24/7 crisis agencies below: Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Late last month, MyBusiness hosted a special three-day, virtual event to help small business owners wade the rough COVID seas. Editor Maja Garaca Djurdjevic sat down and chatted through COVID-related relief and predictions for business with the NSW small business minister Damien Tudehope. In this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, we bring you that special chat - one in which Mr Tudehope reveals what's ahead for business in terms of the state's plan to ease COVID restrictions, the planned 24-hour economy strategy to revamp Sydney and how businesses can access the state's financial assistance. Mr Tudehope also looks ahead to the NSW budget and talks alfresco dining in a COVID safe environment.

In this special budget coverage episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by a number of prominent figures in the small business space to unpack the most anticipated budget in history. From loss carry-back for businesses and temporary full expensing which builds on the expanded instant asset write-off, to tax incentives and the JobMaker hiring credit, our host and guests discuss budget 2020 and what it means for business. Maja is joined by Kate Carnell, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman; Andrew Conway, the CEO of the Institute of Public Accountants; Vicki Stylianou, executive general manager, advocacy and technical at the IPA; and the body's general manager of technical policy Tony Greco. Hear their thoughts on budget 2020 and gain more insight into some of the measures that could help your COVID recovery.

In this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Michael Black, a 21-year-old paving his way in business. Michael started Success Tutoring when he was 17 and is now on the brink of selling his first franchise. Growing from a bedroom desk to a company with 60 staff, Michael's Success Tutoring has helped over 1,000 students across Australia. He talks about the sacrifices he had to make to get a business off the ground in his teens and how he has navigated the current, tough environment.

In this special episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by the deputy editor of MyBusiness Adrian Flores to discuss the latest business news, reflecting specifically on the situation in Victoria and JobKeeper updates. Over the past several days, Victoria's Premier Dan Andrews has announced some important updates, including a new $3 billion stimulus package aimed to help those most impacted by the state's coronavirus restrictions. Adrian and Maja take a look at what's on offer, sharing also the reactions they've been hearing from the business community. The pair deep dive into Andrews' roadmap to open the state and give a brief recap of the changes to JobKeeper due to begin at the end of month. 

Cathy Dimarchos believes that there are always opportunities in the market if you know where to look. With over 35 years of experience in finance and business, Cathy Dimarchos has seen it all. Today she is an adviser, mentor and small business coach, channelling her hard-earned knowledge towards helping fellow business owners survive and thrive amid challenging times. Cathy joins host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic in this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast to talk about decision making in difficult times and how business owners can best deal with fear while making sure their staff are looked after too. Cathy touches on the importance of stepping back and revisiting that passion that first led business owners to start their companies, she shares her tips on switching to solution focus mode to drive business growth, and tops off our chat with some inspiring business success stories. 24-hour mental health telephone support is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

For GetCapital, the past several months have been quite demanding. At the onset of the pandemic, their call centre lit up with calls from overwhelmed business owners, but as time went on and the number of businesses that recognised a chance to transform grew, GetCapital was soon swamped by calls of a different nature. Chief product officer at GetCapital Paul Nayda joins host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic in this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast to talk about the past several months and how businesses are faring according to GetCapital's data. He also shares some unique customer stories, celebrating businesses that found their footing and turned to growth, and talks about the importance of cash-flow planning in a period of extended choppiness.

Fitness and events are two industries that have been upended by the coronavirus crisis and Josh King's business falls within both.   Josh King, the managing director of Corporate Fighter, had to build his resilience and prepare for the worst at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year. Since that initial closure period and a mental health slump driven by the high levels of uncertainty, Josh swiftly made the tactical decision to fight for his business. He joins host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic in this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast to chat through his COVID journey and how this seemingly daunting sport is actually a front to a story of acceptance, support and friendship.

Employing nearly half of all Australians, small businesses are absolutely vital for the nation's economy. Alex Brgudac has been on the ground supporting this sector through the rollercoaster ride that is COVID-19 in his role as the head of partnerships at online lender Prospa. Alex joins host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic in this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast to talk about Prospa's transition to remote working conditions, the sentiment among his SME clients throughout the crisis, and the effectiveness of the government's support schemes thus far. He also explains how businesses have been pushed to positively adapt, what he expects to happen in the SME sector over the next few months, and shares some words of advice to small businesses that are struggling at the moment.

As the president of the Independent Bar Association NSW and owner of three small bars, Karl Schlothauer has witnessed the dramatic effects of COVID-19 on Australia's hospitality sector, first-hand. In this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, Karl joins host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic to talk about the challenges his industry has faced in navigating the current environment and the importance of government support measures for keeping his businesses above water. Karl reveals how his staff and customers have been responding to the circumstances, considers what would happen if a second wave was to hit NSW, and outlines some of the creative initiatives he's implemented in order to adapt, such as "Shaz", the social distancing pool noodle.

Sisters Frances Atkins and Naomi Vowels founded technology platform givvable just eight months ago as a means to help companies find, source and track the impacts of any sustainable, circular or social spending they do. Frances joins host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic in this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast to share how the idea for the business came about, what it's been like navigating COVID-19 as a brand-new startup, and why it's important for SMEs and corporations to source local and sustainable products. She also talks about her experience winning the inaugural Xccelerate2020 venture program, her plans for growing givvable over the coming months, and her advice to other entrepreneurs who want to found a startup.

At the onset of the pandemic just a few months ago, lockdowns in China meant that Melbourne-based company FloatPac Group was in serious trouble. In this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by FloatPac Group's CEO, Gavin Hodgins, to share the inspiring story of how he managed to pivot the 40-year-old company's product offering by manufacturing face masks. This new product not only saved FloatPac from going under, but also provided a critical service to the community at large. Gavin details what measures his business is taking to stop the spread, explains how effective government support measures have been, and shares a message to other business owners experiencing a tough time at the moment.

The Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman (IGTO) provides an important, free service to assist taxpayers with complaints and concerns around the ATO and the TPB. In this special episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, the editor of Accountants Daily, Jotham Lian, is joined by the Inspector-General of Taxation, Karen Payne, to outline the role of her office in the broader tax system, new stats around taxation complaints over the last few months, and the process of escalating tax administration concerns. Karen explains why she endorses the simplification of the taxation of deceased estates, the key recommendations out of the Senate Economics Legislation Committee's inquiry, and the IGTO's plans for the coming financial year.

The coronavirus crisis has stacked burden after burden on already exhausted business owners, but now they're faced with more uncertainty in the shape of tax time 2020 and the ATO's presumably firm compliance approach. In this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, the Institute of Public Accountants' general manager of technical policy, Tony Greco, joins host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic to discuss a broad range of issues weighing heavily on the minds of small and medium-business owners. From tax time 2020 and the considerations for recipients of stimulus measures to the ATO's compliance approach and the possible JobKeeper extension, tune in for an expert's view on these key issues and more.

Historically, fashion options for the ageing and differently abled population have lacked style, trendiness and sophistication. Just six months ago, Matthew Skerritt established his adaptive clothing business EveryHuman with the goal of breaking down that stigma. In this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, Matthew joins host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic to share why he decided to move from accounting into business ownership, what motivated him to enter the adaptive space, and how he has been getting the word out about his brand. Matthew also explains how he has been navigating his new business through the global pandemic, the importance of surrounding oneself with other business owners, and his plans for expansion over the next six months.

Meet the two Aussie women who went from zero to global in just six months with a very interesting and unique product. In this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, our editor Maja Garaca Djurdjevic speaks to Zhenya Gerson and Jacqueline Weiley, the owners of PROPPR - an Australian-made and designed luxury foot stool that has taken the world, and Gwyneth Paltrow, by storm. Tune in to hear how these women took a frail business, capitalised on its uniqueness and the very important issue of gut health, and turned it into a global success, winning a Good Design Award for innovation in the process. Full of passion and energy, Zhenya and Jacqueline talk about the ins and outs of running a business, the importance of celebrating small victories, the impacts of COVID on business, and more.

Over the last eight years, "Flip Out" has become the household name for trampoline parks around the world, with 96 locations and counting. On this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by the founder and CEO of Flip Out, Brent Grundy, to share how he established a globally successful business on the back of a failed venture that landed him in deep financial trouble. Tune in as Brent reveals: - How he came up with a winning business concept - How to franchise a business - Plans for growth and how to realise them - How the coronavirus has rocked local businesses Plus lots more!

In April, Momentum Intelligence conducted a major survey to understand how the coronavirus pandemic has been affecting the nation's professional services across seven different industries. The head of strategy at Momentum Intelligence, Michael Johnson, joins host Phil Tarrant on this episode of the MyBusiness Podcast to analyse the findings of the MyBusiness COVID-19 Sentiment Survey, revealing how business owners' revenue, workload and mental health have been impacted. Tune in to find out how your industry is faring, how businesses feel about the government's stimulus measures and their overall sentiment when looking towards a post-pandemic future. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Effective digital marketing is critical for successful modern businesses, but how does a business go about setting themselves apart in a saturated online marketplace? The head of digital at Momentum Media, Michelle Tucker, breaks it down step by step. On this episode of the My Business Podcast, Michelle joins host Adam Zuchetti to divulge her secrets around creating a digital marketing strategy, optimising investments of both money and time, and maximising returns on those investments. Tune in as Michelle reveals: A surprising discovery about images on social media Whether paid social marketing is worthwhile The single biggest digital marketing mistake And more!

Harry Sanders was homeless at the tender age of 17. Just five years later, his search engine optimisation agency StudioHawk has won countless industry awards, employs 18 staff and has a turnover of $3 million. Harry joins My Business editor Adam Zuchetti in this episode of the My Business Podcast to share how he turned his life around so dramatically, what it's like owning a business where he is the youngest member of his team, and why certain SMEs might not benefit from SEO. Tune in as the My Business Awards winner reveals: His inspiring rags to riches story The best piece of business advice he's ever been given Some quick SEO tips that small businesses can implement themselves Plus lots more!

With the ATO now visiting about 10,000 Australian companies every year, should business owners have anything to fear? Does a drop in from the ATO mean you're considered "dodgy"? ATO assistant commissioner Peter Holt speaks straight from the source. Mr Holt joins My Business editor Adam Zuchetti in this episode of the My Business Podcast to share insights from the business visits program, dispel misconceptions around what employers can expect, and discuss the current trends in business compliance. Tune in as Mr Holt reveals: Why the ATO is making such a big deal about the black economy What inspectors have discovered by visiting Aussie businesses What the Tax Office really thinks about discounts for cash payments Plus lots more!

Retention problems, recruitment woes, talent shortages... The Adecco Group's CEO Rafael Moyano has seen them all, and has some great insights for employers to find, attract and keep the best skilled workers. Recruitment can be cumbersome, daunting, exciting and terrifying - not to mention costly when it goes pear-shaped. In this episode, Mr Moyano joins My Business editor Adam Zuchetti to discuss the inside tips and tricks recruiters use to source the best job candidates. Tune in as Mr Moyano reveals: - Ways that SMEs can compete with bigger firms and higher salaries - How to write a smashing job ad - Onboarding tips to slash staff turnover - How technology is shaking up the recruitment process Plus lots more!

Should you cut business costs before submitting a business loan application? How can fear actually be a good thing for business owners? Veteran finance broker and author Nancy Youssef offers some seasoned advice. "You'd be surprised how many people don't know what they don't know," Nancy reveals. She joins editor Adam Zuchetti on this episode of the My Business Podcast to explore: - The biggest fears that business owners have about money (and how to address them) - What lenders look for when assessing business loan applications - The hidden opportunity that comes with industry and regulatory uncertainty - Why fear itself can be a very powerful tool for business Nancy also discusses why "fear is actually healthy" in business, her approach to addressing financial and regulatory uncertainties within her own industry post-banking royal commission as well determining your own sense of purpose and how that aligns with business.  

What makes a business award submission stand-out from the crowd? And what are judges really looking for? Senior events producer Bronwyn Cooksley gives us the scoop on what makes a winner. In this podcast episode, Momentum Media's very own Bronwyn Cooksley joins My Business editor Adam Zuchetti to discuss best (and worst!) practice when it comes to award submissions. We pick her brain about: - What makes a standout submission - Attachments: Are they a good or a bad thing to include? - Simple but really common mistakes to avoid With around a decade of experience planning awards events and receiving feedback from the various judges, Bronwyn also discusses the importance of answering the questions directly, how to back-up the claims you make and what judges really want to see to make them declare you the winner.

In this episode, My Business editor Adam Zuchetti is joined by Prime Partners accounting director George Morice, to discuss business betterment and some of the strategies he recommends to drive profitability.    We pick his brains about: - Shedding clients and why it can be a good thing  - Working smarter, not harder  - Pricing strategies    George also shares his top three tips for delivering better customer value, the little touch points that allow businesses to increase their prices, and the paradox of how reducing revenue can lead to higher profits.

Businesses all too often fall afoul of the ATO for deductions they try and push through. But others wind up paying more tax than they need to, accountant Alexander Laureti reveals. And with the transition to a new financial year involving some major changes in 2019, the scope for getting things wrong is high. Alexander Laureti, of LMS Advisory, joins My Business editor Adam Zuchetti to explore some of the key points impacting SMEs as we enter FY20, including: - How businesses can legitimately lower their tax bill - Where ATO investigators focus their scrutiny - Impending changes in the new financial year

As someone who has owned and operated some 25 businesses over the years, and as a twice-elected councillor, Angela Vithoulkas is hopeful of a positive public reaction at the polling booths in support of The Small Business Party in the 2019 NSW election. In this episode of the My Business podcast, Angela joins host Adam Zuchetti to reveal how she felt compelled to give small business a better deal in politics, the key policy areas she wants to tackle head-on and her response to some of the policies outlined by federal politicians. Angela also unpacks how fragmentation of the small business sector has slowed progress on essential regulatory reforms, and what can be done to turn this around and deliver action, not just rhetoric. Enjoy the show! www.mybusiness.com.au

Since launching in 2015, OnDeck has assisted over 80,000 businesses gain access to capital by evaluating businesses based on their actual performance rather than solely on a business owners' personal credit score. In this episode of the My Business podcast, brought to you by OnDeck, hosts Adam Zuchetti and Andy Scott are joined by OnDeck's head of sales Michael Bourke and head of risk and operations Kameron Ahmad, to unpack the lending process and outline how SMEs can best prepare a finance application. They discuss how accessible capital aids business growth, the importance for leaders to know their business' credit score and reveal the key requirements that financial providers are looking for in a successful application. www.mybusiness.com.au

A lot of thought and preparation goes into putting forward a winning entry for any award and the Optus My Business Awards are no exception. So, what can you do to stand out from the rest? In this special episode of the My Business Podcast, host Adam Zuchetti joins previous winners of the training and education category Sally Murphy and Victoria Whitaker of The Ethics Centre who will unpack their tips for others looking for the win. They will discuss how the win has impacted their company both externally and within the team and discuss the opportunity that the awards ceremony presented them with to gain exposure for their business. They will also share: - The trends that they are seeing across the ethics sector - How they have built a strong reputation for their business - Why exposure is paramount to them finding new clients Listen now for all of this and so much more in this special episode of the My Business Podcast.

Content marketing may sound like the latest buzzword, but as businesses of all size are discovering, content has become the key to unlocking sales growth and customer loyalty alike. Jo Cronolly and Tim Johnson, the team behind Spike Native Network – which picked up the Publisher Innovation Award at the 2017 Australian Magazine Awards – join the My Business Podcast to debunk a few myths when it comes to digital marketing. Listen in to learn about: An introduction to content marketing – what is it? A different approach – providing value upfront for free Learning from the likes of Coke and others, and how you can do it too The costs of content marketing, and the best way to get started

Two decades is a long time to have survived in any industry, especially in retail: Matt Blatt owners Deb and Adam Drexler return to the My Business Podcast to reveal their insights on achieving sustainable business growth. From marketing their business to wowing new customers, combatting fraud to the real-world implications of understanding your customer demographics, Adam and Deb are honest and open about their journey in business. Tune in as they discuss: • Getting the best value from your advertising and marketing spend • Countering “the sky is falling” belief about Amazon in Australia • Useful tips for minimising card fraud and chargebacks • Strategies for surviving in business as a couple And loads, loads more! www.mybusiness.com.au

As celebrity chef and restaurateur Matt Moran reveals, those in business who achieve their goals have a few things in common – which many others may overlook amid the everyday grind. Speaking ahead of the launch of his latest (and biggest) venue – Barangaroo House in Sydney's Barangaroo – Matt returns on the My Business Podcast to provide an insight into how his career has gone from restaurant apprentice to household name. We pick his brains about: Taking on time-consuming marketing activities despite being a busy business owner Key mistakes he has made in building his company One core element to business success that most people overlook His tips for growth, particularly during the tough times Plus lots more!

There are people who can turn a trip to the supermarket into an “edge of your seat thriller”, according to Sam Cawthorn, owner of training provider Speakers Institute – and those who do anything less are directly limiting their earning power. “It's not the story itself, it's about how well you tell it,” he says. From humble beginnings to narrowly surviving a head-on car crash with a semi-trailer through to sharing the stage with former US president Bill Clinton, the Dalai Lama and Sir Richard Branson, Sam's journey is as inspiring as it is motivational. Chuck on the headphones as Sam reveals: - What we say counts for just 20 per cent of our influence on others - How to sound more intelligent when you speak - Whether ‘picturing the audience naked' really work - How communication directly limits our earning capacity Plus loads, loads more! http://www.mybusiness.com.au

From 20 years working in the industry to almost 20 more years in their own business, Adam and Deb Drexler dig deep into their approach to business culture, taking risk and coping with copycats. “You can't be in business and not worry, it's a very worrying thing – not for the faint-hearted,” says Deb. However, the husband-and-wife duo who own and operate eclectic homewares retailer Matt Blatt suggest there are practical ways to cope with, and even thrive on, these “worries”. Joining the My Business Podcast, Deb and Adam share their business approach to: • Determining the right level of risk for growth • Coping with copycats that threaten to steal their customers • Strategising according to the “royal order of the tummy compass” • Which is more important – culture or competence? And lots more! http://www.mybusiness.com.au

While now a household name thanks to TV shows such as MasterChef and From Paddock to Plate, Matt Moran reveals he has struggled just like every business owner to build a profitable enterprise. “When I first started I was in the kitchen, and I was in the kitchen over 100 hours a week, and Peter, my [business] partner at the time, was on the floor. We found it really tough for the first year, we nearly went broke a couple of times because we just had no idea what we were doing,” he explains. Speaking on-location at Chiswick, one of his Sydney venues, Matt opens up with My Business and reveals: • How he got to where he is over 26 years in business • The strategy behind his business merger • His approach to finding suitable venues • Why he digs into his own pocket to pay company suppliers Plus loads more! www.mybusiness.com.au

Robin McGowan of custom-made men's formalwear retailer InStitchu returns to the My Business Podcast to discuss how his business has approached revenue diversification. He reveals: • How the business is achieving 116 per cent year-on-year growth • His tips for making fast growth sustainable • Diversifying revenue streams in ways that fit your core business • A nifty trick for expanding into offshore markets Plus lots more! www.mybusiness.com.au

Entrepreneur Gary Elphick, co-founder of Disrupt Sports, reveals the manufacturing efficiencies most Aussie SMEs overlook, why not all feedback is useful, and the limitations of customer choice on profitability. The two-time Optus My Business Awards winner joins the My Business team for a forthright discussion about his mistakes and master strokes in establishing his on-demand manufacturing business, including: The hidden efficiencies in foregoing offshoring production His experience “getting schooled” in business planning Why some customer feedback can be a waste of your time Commercial benefits of taking out industry awards Plus much more! www.mybusiness.com.au

Well-known former Olympic swimmer Eamon Sullivan has become a restauranteur in his native Perth, and as he candidly admits, the challenges of running a business outweigh those of elite sports. From not liking school and working casual jobs at McDonald's and Subway, Eamon went on to win three Olympic medals and twice set a world record in the 50m freestyle event. Now, having retired from swimming at an elite level, Eamon is successfully growing his four Perth-based hospitality businesses. Yet the transition to business owner has by no means been guaranteed, and in some instances his profile has actually hindered, rather than helped, his progress. Tune in as Eamon discusses: • The challenges and benefits of setting up a business while still working full-time. • Why following your passion can actually be a commercial disaster. • His novel approach to turning around negative customer feedback • The biggest mistakes he's made in business and how they now shape his efforts. Plus much more! www.mybusiness.com.au

The co-founder of high-profile custom fashion retailer InStitchu shares his experiences on competing against the big boys and developing a new form of retailing. As Robin explains, consumers have never been more savvy: they want to know the journey “from farm to fashion”, and expect tailored products and services over a one-size-fits-all approach. Robin joins the My Business Podcast to explore: • His approach to winning market share from major players like department stores • Operating as a retailer without holding any stock • Balancing the ups and downs of being in business with a good friend And lots more! www.mybusiness.com.au

Funding, supplying and marketing a business is never an easy prospect, but as EduKits founder Michael Nixon reveals, doing so while under the legal age is infinitely harder still — but by no means impossible! The savvy schoolboy has already secured thousands of dollars to fund his growing business, without access to traditional funding types because of his age. Tune in to hear Michael's insights on: • Funding a business without loans, credit cards or cash savings • Being taken seriously in a new business channel • Sourcing suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and even customers for a new-to-market concept • Why age is just a number, not a determinant of your abilities And much more! www.mybusiness.com.au

We are all familiar with the phrase "worked to death", but for Rand Leeb-du Toit, an entrepreneur and former venture capitalist, those words carry with them a vivid memory from a first-hand experience. As Rand admits, while lying on the floor after suffering from a sudden cardiac death, his thoughts zoomed in on work and the meetings he would miss. He has recovered from the attack and a subsequent minor stroke, and now Rand is on a mission to help save other overworked business leaders from themselves and share his lessons for leading a productive, balanced life. Tune in to hear: • Rand's experience of knocking at death's door and how it can happen to anyone at any age • The factors holding business leaders back from reaching their potential • How to reinvent your business, and yourself as its leader, for peak performance Plus lots more! www.mybusiness.com.au

Admitting failure can be a difficult thing, yet as these 10 business owners reveal, mistakes have helped to strengthen their business – and others can do the same without taking the hard route. In this collection of guests on the My Business Podcast, hosts Adam Zuchetti and Andy Scott explore some of the most common mistakes business leaders have made, and what lessons have been taken away from the experience. Tune in to hear: • Finance tips from those who have struggled first-hand • Growing pains and missing the mark with your audience • The unrealised dark side of doing something innovative • Avoiding burnout and cutting down on staff management Plus lots more! Enjoy the show. www.mybusiness.com.au

In this special edition of the My Business Podcast, Andrew Conway, head of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), joins My Business owner Phil Tarrant to share his insights on the ‘evolving' conditions facing modern SMEs. In a wide-ranging discussion on topics as varied as mental health and wellbeing to cyber security and tax reforms, Andrew reveals: • The differences between various types of accountants, and how to choose the right one for your business • Tax changes that are now, and will soon, impact business operators • Common pain points for SMEs and the role accountants can play in resolving them • Why mental health is a growing concern for employers Plus lots more! www.mybusiness.com.au

A blind video producer – “tell him he's dreamin'!” Yet for gough of Beernuts Productions, dreams do come true, and his inspiring story has plenty of valuable insights for other business owners. Joining the My Business Podcast, gough, “a one-word name, like Madonna” discusses exactly how he has overcome not just the challenges that everyone faces when starting and growing a business, but doing so with a disability.

Owner of Adore Estate Coffee and the Killer Coffee Co, Nick Mastro, reveals first-hand the highs and lows of operating a multichannel business, and what lessons other brands can take from his experience. Along with his chief marketer Antonio Galati, Nick joins the My Business Podcast to explain the hows and whys of moving a business from solely importer to manufacturing wholesale and retail channels, and the real-world implications and prospects of business diversification. Tune in as he explains: - Their social media faux pas that courted controversy - Starting from scratch to market and sell a new product - The business processes involved in getting “Australia's strongest coffee” to market - His approach to balancing innovation with brand integrity Plus lots more! www.mybusiness.com.au

Many business owners are afraid of competition. Others, such as Lachy Rowston and Raph Freedman of CrossFit Creature, say competition is a tool to hone your product or service offering. “The competition [has] forced us to try and differentiate our product more and make it of higher value,” they tell My Business, adding: “We can just provide the best service that we can offer and at the end of the day, if people like what we do, fantastic.” Returning to the My Business Podcast, the team reveals how they've stepped up to the plate by differentiating themselves from their competitors in order to grow a sustainable business within the highly competitive gym industry. In this episode, find out: - Why going cheaper doesn't always work - How they are leveraging a large social following to drive growth - Their mindset behind competition and how they've countered resistance And plenty more! www.mybusiness.com.au

He's not the biggest fish in the pond, but Marty Halphen from The Fruit Box says that if he wants to be number one, he's got to train like he's number two. “We don't want that way of thinking to go away because it keeps us hungry … The way we look at it, it just incentivises us to actually keep on improving and getting bigger and growing in the right direction.” Returning to the My Business Podcast, Marty reveals the driving forces behind growing The Fruit Box nationally, the ways in which he engaged wholesalers to create a marketplace unique to the business, as well as the steps he took to successfully adapt the business to target markets and connect with consumers. Tune in as he explores: - Why a business is only as good as its last delivery - His approach to scaling a business that is realistic and sustainable How he unites his 250-strong team from multiple locations nationwide - The importance of continued learning and development as a business owner And much more! www.mybusiness.com.au